The Stonewall Reader
A study guide of the New York Public Library’s 2019 book ‘The Stonewall Reader.’
Comprehension
Before applying the concepts and actions outlined in White’s anthology, ensure you understand the key takeaways from the book. Take the following questions and answer them in your own words and to your understanding. Come up with examples or case studies from your own life or in the media to ground the information you’ve learned. To double-check your work, you may visit the summary sections that address the question.
Audre Lorde commented on the intersectionality of her identity inside and outside the LGBTQ+ community. How does Lorde’s Blackness exist in the larger society and sub-society?
White and Rodwell referenced the idea of queerness being seen as a sickness and queer people being seen as “mentally and morally deviant” in society. What impact does that perception have on the movement for human rights? What makes this different from other social justice activism at the time?
After reading these narratives from before the event, why did Stonewall happen when it did?
Why did the Stonewall uprising occur and why is it still important today?
What might be the reasoning behind Stonewall Inn’s decision to become a "free store" after the uprising?
What is the legacy of Stonewall? In what ways did it change the landscape for people in the LGBTQ+ community?
Intersectionality is a key concept in this collection of accounts. How did intersectionality play a role in the decades following stonewall? How did experiences differ based on race, gender, and other identities?